Blockchain technologies in the educational sector : a reflection on the topic in the middle of the Covid-19 situation

Abstract

This paper looks at current projects in the field of Blockchain in education, their specific areas of application, possible advantages and weaknesses. Three examples developed by the team of authors are introduced in detail. First: Gallery- Defender a Serious Game, which was adapted to serve as a demonstrator in a stand-alone version to show the possibility to carry out exams directly from within the game and store the grades and meta-data on Blockchain. Second: Art-Quiz, an e-learning tool, which can be integrated into existing LMS systems and map exam results and further data using Blockchain technologies. Both were developed following an iterative design process. And third: The results of a focus group, which simulated the assignment of grades after an oral online exam. The three examples presented here are based on the Blockchain system Ardor/Childchain Ignis, but each demonstrator has a different set of features and approaches. In addition, the integration of various Blockchain solutions was conceptually designed to make a Multi-Chain model possible.